IT HAS been a busy few weeks for Blythe Barracudas Swimming Club as they produced a series of outstanding swims at both the Profab Trophy Gala and the City of Coventry September Sprint Meet.
At the Profab Trophy Gala held at Wolverhampton Central Baths, there were first place finishes for 11-year-olds Toby Allen (50m backstroke) and Joseph Franklin (50m freestyle).
Thomas Beech, 12, was winner in the 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle, while 13-year-olds Simon Duffy (50m butterfly), Myles Harris (50m backstroke & 50m breaststroke) and Hannah O’Leary (50m breaststroke) were also winners of their respective events.
In the 14-year age category, James Morris won the 100m backstroke event but the Barracudas were equally successful in the team events too after winning seven first place finishes in the relays events.
The team carried that success to the City of Coventry for the September Sprint Meet which was held at the city’s 50m Olympic pool at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre where Blythe Barracudas were crowned the ‘Top Visiting Club’.
A total of 37 swimmers took part in the highly competitive event which culminated in them winning an astounding 11 gold medals, nine silver medals and 11 bronze medals.
Superb swims came from nine-year-old Molly Vondrak who secured silver in the 50m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m butterfly and it was also a third place finish for Molly in the 200m IM final.
Ten-year-old Lukas Whaley earned gold in the 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle events as well as bronze in the 50m backstroke and silver in the 200m IM final.
Josh Golsby-Taylor, 12, secured silver in the 50m breaststroke and 200m IM final while also finishing third in the 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.
Thirteen-year-old Hannah O’Leary was awarded gold in the 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle, while also claiming bronze in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly. It was also gold for Hannah in the 200m IM final.
Grace Dowse, 15, gained gold in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 50m freestyle. Grace went on to win bronze in the 200m IM final.
On their first outing to the Meet, nine-year-olds James Baynham, Sonny Butcher, Max Clinton-Tarestad, Becky Prosser and Molly Vondrak earned a place in the 200m IM finals by finishing in the top eight for their age group.
Elsewhere, there were outstanding swims from Thomas Beech, Jess Deans, Grace Dowse, Scarlett Flynn, Rosie Franklin, Grace Galligan, Myles Harris, Ciara Jones, Freya Lindsay, Charlotte Maloney, Isabelle Maloney and Sam McLoughlin a place in the 200m IM finals.
Blythe Barracudas is a friendly club offering lessons and training opportunities for all levels of swimmers in the Solihull and South Birmingham areas.
For further information or to book a trial with one of our fully qualified coaches, please visit www.blythebarracudas.com.
